The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM-YS) mourns the passing away of the mother of the nation mama Winnie Madikizela Mandela yesterday (Monday) afternoon.

"This is a huge loss to the Mandela and Madikizela family, the nation but most importantly to the young people of this beloved country as we always draw lessons from her life and contributions to the struggle. She was amongst the brave and militant women during the height of apartheid. She is indeed Isikhukhukazi and we call upon on young people to learn from this fallen icon of the country," said Bonginkosi Mrasi, NUM-YS National Secretary.

We send our deepest condolences to the entire family of Mandela, Madikizela and Bathembu kingdom.

We further send our deepest condolences to the families of NUM members who were burnt to death by hooligans masquerading as community members at Burgersfort in Limpopo whilst our members were traveling by bus to work. We further wish those injured a speedy recovery.

We call upon the minister of police comrade General Bheki Cele to quickly make an intervention in the area and arrest these evil and heartless hooligans.